Displaying items by tag: model portfolios

According to research from WisdomTree Investments and shared in an article by Nick Peters-Golden on VettaFi’s Modern Alpha Channel, the volatile markets and uncertainty about the economy in 2020 yielded some insights and lessons that can be applied today.

2020 was particularly challenging for advisors given the outbreak of the coronavirus and aggressive policies to deal with it, including massive amounts of fiscal and monetary stimulus. There were other practical challenges, such as maintaining communication with clients virtually. 

The research results in some surprising takeaways. For one, investors didn’t seem more panicked despite the steep drop in stock prices amid the initial lockdowns. Additionally, surveys showed that investors were satisfied with their advisors’ performance over this period. 

WisdomTree attributes this satisfaction due to constant communication with clients and reassurance about their long-term plans. Most advisors increased communication with clients and were able to increase confidence by using model portfolios. 

As a result, the number of investors who said advisors using third-party model portfolios was ‘absolutely acceptable’ rose to 86% from 90%. Additionally, advisors got high marks from clients about their accessibility and responsiveness than prior to the crisis. 

Finsum: Research from WisdomTree Investments shows that clients were satisfied with advisors’ performance in 2020 despite a challenging environment.

Model portfolios continue to be a major beneficiary of current volatility and uncertainty as evidenced by Charles Schwab seeing $4.6 billion in inflows to its bond ETF according to an article by Bloomberg’s Carly Wanna.

These inflows are being attributed to adjustments made by a model portfolio and are offered by many large asset managers. Currently, there is no firm estimate on the size of the model portfolio industry, but manu speculate that trillions are managed through them. And, they are offered by the largest asset managers including Vanguard and Blackrock. 

But, the best indication of their size and influence is the massive inflows and outflows from ETFs which tends to happen at the beginning or end of quarters. Additionally, it’s easy to match the inflows and outflows from various ETFs. In this case, the model portfolio seems to be reaching for increased yield as it moves out of Treasuries and into lower-rated corporate debt. 

Overall, model portfolios are booming due to the strategy providing the benefits of active management with lower costs and increased transparency.

Finsum: Model portfolios are having an impact on Wall Street as evidenced by the huge inflows into Schwab’s bond ETF.

Yo: model portfolios. You’re on a proverbial roll. 

In recent years, the acceleration of third party model portfolios has been the bomb, according to wisdontree.com. Over the last five years, assets in model portfolios -- leaving out nary a one – have spiked a minimum of 18% annually, estimated Broadridge. Over the next five years, they’re expected to roll past $10.3T in AUM.

That said, even in light of this growth, advisors are questioning their ability to leverage third party models in the practice, dwelling on, for instance, “which of my clients are a good fit for third-party models?”

To abet their ability to manage client investments, advisors can cherry pick from a burgeoning cocktail of model portfolios, according to thinkadvisor.com.

As of March of last year, there was nearly $350 billion in model portfolios, Morningstar reported in June. That’s a leap of 22% over the nine months before. As of November of last year, more than 2,500 models were covered in the firm’s database – more than doubling the amount the prior two years.

In recent years, third party model portfolios, of course, have experienced stunning growth, according to wisdomtree.com.

But – and isn’t there often one? – their ability to leverage the models in their practice have been questioned by advisors.

Tapping into insights complied from the WisdomTree Third-Party Model Portfolios Research Study, concerns among advisors include wondering which of their clients are a good fit for third-party models. 

An idea: kick things off with clientele who especially take to third party models.

By tapping model portfolios, advisors can expend more time on activities that involve direct interaction with clients, according to ssga.com. It goes a long way toward bucking up their satisfaction and “wallet share growth.”

The management of portfolios, a gaggle of advisors continue to believe, is at the core of their value. Then there’s the cold reality: the upside of specialized expertise is burgeoning among individual investors. In dispensing comprehensive advice, it’s paramount for advisors to maintain a degree of knowledge across a range of topics. That impacts the time they can invest in activities revolving around the portfolio.

Turnkey asset management platform and fintech provider GeoWealth has signed a deal to buy First Ascent Asset Management, a Denver-based registered investment advisor overseeing nearly $1.4 billion. Colin Falls, President, and CEO of GeoWealth, told FundFire that the deal is expected to close early in the second quarter. First Ascent, which also provides TAMP services, specializes in providing investment management and consulting services to independent advisors. The firm also provides non-discretionary model portfolios to technology platform providers. First Ascent will move to the GeoWealth platform and have access to its proprietary integrated tech stack, including back-office capabilities and customizable unified managed account offerings. GeoWealth’s platform includes advisor-managed models alongside a suite of third-party-manager-built models from about 40 providers, according to Falls. The firm also offers ETF model portfolios created by third-party ETF sponsors, including J.P. Morgan Asset Management. According to a news release, First Ascent’s investment offering and service model will remain unchanged, as will its flat-fee schedule. The firm charges a flat fee rate or percentage of assets under management, and annual fees range from .15% to .30% for accounts with at least $50,000.

Finsum:Managed-model providerGeoWealth is buying First Ascent Asset Management, an RIA that also provides TAMP services such as model portfolios.